Thread: P38's with a difference

mmmmm...... Diesel P38

There was someone on the forum a few years ago that attempted to put a 300Tdi into a P38. I think he actually got the motor in ok, but the issues came about with the electronics. If I remember correctly, the 300Tdi didn't have enough electronics to talk to the gearbox ECU causing all sorts of faults. Then again things would advanced since then and you can now get aftermarket computers for gearboxes, but you still need to communicate with the car.

Electronics are the big thing in these cars, I'm looking at putting a Gen III in mine, but I too have hit a wall with the computers grrrrr

There were factory versions which used a 2.5lt 6 cylinder BMW Engine and are refferred to as a "DSE" but never came to OZ, so if you see a RANGE ROVER DSE advertised is is probably an import. Look on Range Rovers as they appear to be popular in Europe and the US.

Stu

Originally Posted by 81stubee

mmmmm...... Diesel P38

There was someone on the forum a few years ago that attempted to put a 300Tdi into a P38. I think he actually got the motor in ok, but the issues came about with the electronics. If I remember correctly, the 300Tdi didn't have enough electronics to talk to the gearbox ECU causing all sorts of faults. Then again things would advanced since then and you can now get aftermarket computers for gearboxes, but you still need to communicate with the car.

Electronics are the big thing in these cars, I'm looking at putting a Gen III in mine, but I too have hit a wall with the computers grrrrr

There were factory versions which used a 2.5lt 6 cylinder BMW Engine and are refferred to as a "DSE" but never came to OZ, so if you see a RANGE ROVER DSE advertised is is probably an import. Look on Range Rovers as they appear to be popular in Europe and the US.

Stu

There were even manual DSE P38's, not many but I've seen at least two up for sale here in NZ.
If you were to put a 300tdi with auto in, you'd just put a mechanical/hydraulic ZF in as well, easily shortcutting all the electronic shifting hassles.

A mate keeps telling me to put a 4BD1T into a P38. But I don't need a new project and prefer the looks and size of the RRC.

Former colleague back in the UK had a P38 DHSE, went very nicely after he had it chipped.

Was a touch on the lethargic side to say the least beforehand however.

Originally Posted by 81stubee

mmmmm...... Diesel P38

There was someone on the forum a few years ago that attempted to put a 300Tdi into a P38. I think he actually got the motor in ok, but the issues came about with the electronics. If I remember correctly, the 300Tdi didn't have enough electronics to talk to the gearbox ECU causing all sorts of faults.

Jase was doing a 2.8 Tdi conversion but he didn't finish it so he reverted it back to a V8 and sold the car.

Originally Posted by Dougal

A mate keeps telling me to put a 4BD1T into a P38. But I don't need a new project and prefer the looks and size of the RRC.

convert an isuzu 110 to an auto and do a body swap. 2" difference in wheelbase.

Originally Posted by Dougal

If you were to put a 300tdi with auto in, you'd just put a mechanical/hydraulic ZF in as well, easily shortcutting all the electronic shifting hassles.

The diffs are on the opposite side of the car to the Disco/RRC

Originally Posted by Dougal

A mate keeps telling me to put a 4BD1T into a P38.

That would turn a smooth car into a vibrating noisy thing.

I have a 1996 diesel P38, DSE, it has the BMW 2.5 diesel in it.
I bought in when I was working in Europe in 1999 and have had it since then.
Its travelled with me all over europe, into South east asia and various places in Aus.
Its now in Melbourne. I offroad it lots.

It was sluggish when original, ok but a bit slow. The auto wound change down to readily even on slight uphill gradients whilst on the tarmac at 90-100kph. So after comparing various chip manufacturers I finally went for the Jeremy Fearn chip and larger intercooler upgrade. It knocked off 6 seconds form the 0-100kph time! The car is much more responsive and is almost as quick as the 4.6. It does give out a big puff of black smoke though when full throttle. If I take it easy, i can get near 10km per litre on the highway. (see dyno attachment)

Engine wise, its done 160,000 kms, fuel pump was replaced last year as it was leaking diesel. That cost me $1500 for an recon. I blew an o-ring on the oil cooler in Tasmania, and I have just ordered a new water pump and thermostat. Thats the only problems I have had specific to the diesel P38 variant.

Options/Fitments:-
1. Jeremy Fearn Intercooler and chip
2. Dual batteries Optima yellow tops
3. Full safety devices roofrack
4. Warn winch (integrated)
5. Arnott generation II air springs
6. Air susp manual override
7. BF Goodrich Mud Terrains (255/70 R16)

I love the car, as far as I am aware, this is the only one in Melbourne, so its probably the one you have seen at your work. If you see me yell out, I'll take you for a spin! Where do you work?

Originally Posted by p38arover

The diffs are on the opposite side of the car to the Disco/RRC

Yes, but that's taken care of by the transfer case, the ZF gearboxes are the same family, converting it to a manual valve body would not be difficult.